Will Timmons is a great friend of mine. We actually started our blogs on the same day without consulting each other. The purpose of each blog was to discuss aspects of music and the music industry in an attempt to digest our thoughts and encourage others. This post is in response to a recent blog of his: Life Takes Time For Some of Us.
Will's point is very valid and he is attempting to encourage the millennial generation currently searching desperately to find its place professionally. Notice, I did not say searching to find itself.
The facts about youth unemployment are overwhelming, not only in music but across our generation.
The first years out of college can be incredibly depressing. For many people, this is the first time we are not around people exactly like us, other students of the same age, regional background, and subject area. This is the first time we have to explore strange new work places, seek out new people and to boldly search for motivation.
Those of us lucky enough to have salaries are often at the bottom of a totem pole and exist in a predetermined job description. Speaking with friends across fields and careers, they often find these jobs disappointing in their level of creativity, output, innovation, and freedom of thought. So much effort is put on the "grammar" of fitting in, (dress right, be on time....etc.) little time can be spent on creation.
We need to stop asking our parents' generation for everything. We need to stop attempting to fit in. We need to express ourselves creatively and courageously. We need to DO.
These precious years between university and "professionalism" can be spent on a verity of activities. It takes time to develop the vocabulary, poise, relationships, connections, and wisdom needed for innovation and articulate entrepreneurship . But, all of these things come from doing, thought, and doing again.
If you are trained as an artist, make art. Make bad art, but show your art and practice. If you are a musician, play music. Play lots of music. Organize concerts. Perform. PRACTICE.
"Pre-professionals" (A term I think is crap forced on us by a strict and moldy generation) have something salaried people don't...TIME.
You have a degree in a field. You have an expertise you thought worthy of pursuing. USE IT. You are a professional.
Young professionals have to practice to fit into a professional mold. And yes, everyone has to practice. We have to practice more than our distinguished colleagues because they have years of wisdom. But, don't be shy about calling yourself a professional. YOU ARE.
The interesting characteristics of people are those that don't fit our expectations. Those people audacious enough to be themselves and to create, those people are the beautiful people. Our generation needs confidence and a kick in the ass...go innovate. GO DO.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Advice for Young Musicians
This week a student of mine expressed interest in a music degree. This is an intelligent high school student, however, his question went beyond the normal private lessons response. Specifically he asked about how to start studying theory and other aspects of music.
This is a massive undertaking and I think the music education complex does a very poor job at developing a comprehensive view of the industry. There are a few overlooked steps by many aspiring musicians.
Listen to everything....listen both as a passive listener and critically to all styles of music. Aaron Copland's book, "What to Listen for in Music" is a compilation of lectures to describe the benefits oh listen in different ways.
Perform Often....a few years ago I was able to interview the low brass teachers at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Discovering a Classical Musician looked into the lives of five prominent musicians. John Rojak's interview was incredible insightful because he did not get into his first choice music school. His first three years of undergraduate work were spent performing with local groups in Connecticut. These years allowed him to develop courage performing in various styles that eventually lead to his broadway career.
Research the Industry....find out how big the music industry is. Music provides jobs for recording engineers, stage hands, producers, administrators, journalists, conductors, college professors, historians, public school teachers, and instrumentalist is a huge variety of genres. All of these professions demand a high level of execution and musical understanding.
Use the Internet...there is a growing number of free course work websites. Coursera, as well as other sites, offer introductory courses in theory, history, and even jazz improvisation. There are even period and style specific courses offered from some incredible schools. A course in the history of rock 'n roll can be beneficial by increasing your vocabulary and make it easier to discuss music with non-musicians.
Read everything....expand your knowledge. Read everything from program notes to biographies. Composers have lead some fascinating lives and sometimes their biographies read like a soap opera. Also start following the blogs of your favorite performers. Some of the worlds top musicians write about the industry and musical thoughts every week. Books like "Mozart in the Jungle" can also lead to an glamorous view of the industry.
Go to Live Performances....you have to be inspired and understand what music is. A live performance offers so much more than a recording. Seek out different styles of concerts, attend recitals, jazz pubs, symphony orchestras and even punk rock shows. After the concert go back stage and congratulate the performers. This is a great way to meet musicians.
All of these activity will lead to a comprehensive view of the industry and allow aspiring musicians to make choices that will affect their careers. Having a clear picture and a depth of insight will direct you through choices that will determine your life. But always remember, have fun, respect your colleagues and be gracious to your audience.
Research the Industry....find out how big the music industry is. Music provides jobs for recording engineers, stage hands, producers, administrators, journalists, conductors, college professors, historians, public school teachers, and instrumentalist is a huge variety of genres. All of these professions demand a high level of execution and musical understanding.
Use the Internet...there is a growing number of free course work websites. Coursera, as well as other sites, offer introductory courses in theory, history, and even jazz improvisation. There are even period and style specific courses offered from some incredible schools. A course in the history of rock 'n roll can be beneficial by increasing your vocabulary and make it easier to discuss music with non-musicians.
Read everything....expand your knowledge. Read everything from program notes to biographies. Composers have lead some fascinating lives and sometimes their biographies read like a soap opera. Also start following the blogs of your favorite performers. Some of the worlds top musicians write about the industry and musical thoughts every week. Books like "Mozart in the Jungle" can also lead to an glamorous view of the industry.
Go to Live Performances....you have to be inspired and understand what music is. A live performance offers so much more than a recording. Seek out different styles of concerts, attend recitals, jazz pubs, symphony orchestras and even punk rock shows. After the concert go back stage and congratulate the performers. This is a great way to meet musicians.
All of these activity will lead to a comprehensive view of the industry and allow aspiring musicians to make choices that will affect their careers. Having a clear picture and a depth of insight will direct you through choices that will determine your life. But always remember, have fun, respect your colleagues and be gracious to your audience.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Trio for Soprano Sax, Bass Trombone, and Piano
Youtube Video
July 4th Concert
Enschede, the Netherlands
I had the pleasure of working with Iris Gruber and Hans van der Werf on Daniel Schnyder's Trio. This piece marked a huge development in my growth as a musician. The jazz inspired style combined with technically challenging rhythms and the wide tessitura were demanding. However, Iris and Hans created a working atmosphere where we could focus on style. Overall the experience was very enjoyable.
We performed the piece three times
July 2, 2013 on Iris' Endexam
July 4, 2013 on my recital
July 10, 2013 on a graduation concert.
While working on the piece I had the pleasure of visiting Stefan Schulz in Berlin. Stefan is a good friend of the composer and the two perform together regularly. We spoke about some technical aspects, but Stefan had nothing but great things to say about Daniel's music.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Van Gogh: At Work
Last week, I took a second trip to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. I visited last winter when his paintings were being exhibited in a different building. The new Van Gogh Museum just opened at the beginning of May. The title of the new exhibit: Van Gogh: At Work.
The exhibit attempts to give a comprehensive view of Van Gogh's development through different styles. A lot of space is devoted to his education. This collection of drawings and paintings are incredibly interesting. You can see examples of sketches, color experiments, different brush strokes, and varying angles of the same subjects.
Think about what you play and why you play it. Decide on meaning and let that effect style. Once you can hear exactly what you want, then the craft will be clean and meaningful.
1886
The exhibit attempts to give a comprehensive view of Van Gogh's development through different styles. A lot of space is devoted to his education. This collection of drawings and paintings are incredibly interesting. You can see examples of sketches, color experiments, different brush strokes, and varying angles of the same subjects.
1888
Take these two self portraits: same subject completely different style.
In music we attempt to do the same thing when we study. We isolate different technics or licks and we practice them in different ways. However, our study is mostly refinement based. The huge difference, Van Gogh actively thought about what he wanted and had to drastically change his craft in order to achieve his goals.
Think about what you play and why you play it. Decide on meaning and let that effect style. Once you can hear exactly what you want, then the craft will be clean and meaningful.
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